Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing traveled to Russia Monday for talks with Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters: The visit keeps Myanmar's military rulers in direct contact with Moscow, a key source of diplomatic and military backing. It also signals the junta still has access to senior-level foreign leaders more than three years after its 2021 takeover.
- Min Aung Hlaing departed Naypyitaw on Monday for an official visit to Russia, AP reported.
- He is scheduled to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.
- State-run MRTV said the agenda includes economic, security and social issues, plus a Myanmar-Russia Business Forum.
- AP said this is Min Aung Hlaing's seventh visit to Russia since Myanmar's 2021 military takeover.
Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing left Naypyitaw on Monday for an official visit to Russia, AP reported. He is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin for talks on bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.
State-run MRTV said the visit's agenda includes economic, security and social issues, and that a Myanmar-Russia Business Forum is also planned. Another Myanmar state-media report said economic cooperation between the two countries has entered a new stage of strategic development.
AP said this is Min Aung Hlaing's seventh visit to Russia since Myanmar's military takeover in February 2021. The report also said Russia remains a major supporter of Myanmar's military, and that Russian-made fighter jets have been used in attacks on territory held by ethnic minority groups allied with pro-democracy resistance forces.
By the numbers
- 7 - Number of times Min Aung Hlaing has visited Russia since the 2021 takeover, according to AP.
- 2021 - Year Myanmar's military seized power.
Yes, but: The strongest sourcing in the brief comes from AP and Myanmar state media, so some of the broader significance should be read cautiously unless independently corroborated elsewhere.
What's next: Min Aung Hlaing's meeting with Vladimir Putin and the Myanmar-Russia Business Forum are the next known milestones.